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Trump threatens to release Isil fighters if EU won't accept them

Veiled women, reportedly wives and members of the Islamic State, walk under the supervision of a female fighter from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) at al-Hol camp at al-Hasakeh governorate at northeastern Syria on February 17, 2019.Photo: BULENT KILIC

The Telegraph

Published: February 17, 2019 - 9:34 PM

Donald Trump has demanded Britain and its continental neighbours repatriate their captured Isil fighters and put them on trial — or face the terrorists being set free to “permeate Europe.”

In a strongly-worded message tweeted late on Saturday night, the U.S. president warned he would have little choice but to release approximately 800 “jihadists” currently held by American-backed Kurdish forces in Syria.

He said now was the time for the anti-Isil coalition partners to “step up” and take over ownership of its rogue citizens who threaten the safety of Europe.

“The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 Isis fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial,” President Trump wrote.

“The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them..”

“The U.S. does not want to watch as these Isis fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much — Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!”

Time is rapidly running out to establish a coherent strategy with Isil fighters now controlling a pocket of land just 700 metres square in eastern Syria.

In a final gesture of defiance, surviving Isil militants laid down roadblocks yesterday (Sunday) around their final redoubt to prevent an estimated 1,000 civilians trapped with them from leaving.

Mr Trump predicted victory would come on Saturday, but commanders of the Syrian Democratic Forces commanders have slowed a push on the village of Baghouz with fears that civilians were being used as human shields.

The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them

On Saturday, the French army revealed a senior officer was facing punishment after publicly criticising coalition tactics. Colonel Francois-Regis Legrier said an emphasis on minimising risk to coalition personnel resulted in unnecessary civilian deaths and destruction of infrastructure that could feed resentment, leading to another insurgency in future.

Sajid Javid, the British Home Secretary, insisted last week he would “not hesitate” to prevent the return of anyone who supported terrorist organisations abroad.

But General Lord Richard Dannatt, the former head of the British Army, said the UK had an obligation to accept its citizens.

“Usually I disagree with Donald Trump, but on this occasion I think he’s right. If there are… a large number of foreign fighters in captivity in Syria who originate from countries like the UK, then they are our citizens and we have a responsibility to act responsibly towards them. That means they have got to come back to this country.”